The renewal of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (“PPEL”) is on the ballot in November. This levy, the funds from which can only be used for repairs and maintenance of school buildings along with a range of equipment needs,
Tracking Tax Transparency
As fall approaches and local governments in central Iowa begin to put budgets together for the coming year, they will have to decide what to do with the extraordinarily high property tax assessment increases that homeowners and businesses received in
Another LOSST Election
On August 6, 2019, voters in five Polk County cities will have an opportunity to vote on imposing the 1-cent local option sales tax (LOSST) on retail sales in their communities. The five cities are Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, and
House Proposes Property Tax Transparency
Property tax assessments hit the mailboxes and the news this month and given such extraordinary (10 – 20 percent) increases, many people are fearful about what this will mean for their property tax bill. And rightfully so. Property taxes often
Tax Transparency Talking Points
HF 773 Talking Points Property Tax Transparency Trigger What the bill does: Starting in budget year 2021, if a city or county wishes to increase property tax revenue by more than two percent above the prior year, some extra
Smart Government. Shared Resources
Here’s our response to the Business Record’s question, “What one big thing could central Iowa do to be a better place to live?”
Property Taxes Fund Public Pensions
It’s September – time to pay property taxes! Most property owners will see a significant increase in taxes due this fall. Assessments were way up (8.2 percent for residential property in urban Polk County, for example), and most jurisdictions are
A Lesson on Teacher Pensions
A Lesson on Teacher Pensions